Review on Air Pollution and Children’s Health
1Awafung Emmanuel Adie, 2Glory Mbe Egom Nja, 2Paul B Anyin and 3Ere Kenneth Ebiepere
1Biomedical Engineering, Kampala International University, Uganda.
2Department of Electrical/Electronics, Faculty of Engineering University of Cross River Calabar.
3Department of Public Health, University of Calabar.
Email: awafungadie@gmail.com awafungadie@kiu.ac.ug.
ABSTRACT
Air pollution remains a significant global public health concern, with mounting evidence highlighting the detrimental impact on children’s health and development. This review synthesizes the latest research on the relationship between air pollutants and various adverse health outcomes in children. It examines the effects of exposure to common air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and other key contaminants, on children’s respiratory health, cognitive function, and neurodevelopment. It discusses the heightened vulnerability of children due to their physiological, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The review highlights epidemiological studies that have linked air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to increased incidence of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It explores the emerging evidence on the association between air pollutants and impaired cognitive development, decreased academic performance, and the potential contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to address air pollution, including policy interventions, community-based initiatives, and innovative technological solutions. It underscores the importance of protecting children, the most vulnerable population, from the detrimental effects of air pollution through targeted public health strategies and environmental regulations. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the nexus between air pollution and children’s health, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, public health professionals, and researchers working to mitigate the adverse impacts and promote children’s well-being in the face of this pressing environmental challenge.
Keywords: Review, Air, Pollution, Children, Health
CITE AS: Awafung Emmanuel Adie, Glory Mbe Egom Nja, Paul B Anyin and Ere Kenneth Ebiepere (2025). Review on Air Pollution and Children’s Health, NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 6(1): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2025/61.110